At work.

A Bad Idea

No Benefit To Being `Voluntarily' Laid Off

April 02, 1995|By Lindsey Novak. Special to the Tribune.

Q-My company may soon be cutting jobs. If my supervisor is forced to make cuts, would it be damaging to my career if I volunteered to be laid off? I have wanted for some time to do some extended traveling and now can afford to. Also, I could use a break from working for a while. I can't afford to leave on my own because I would need the cushion of unemployment benefits after I return from my travels.

I have a strong working relationship with my supervisor and have always been able to be honest with him, but now I'm not sure if honesty is the best policy. What would be the best way to handle this without losing his future recommendation? If he declines my offer, would it put me in a bad light?

A-Don't count on receiving unemployment. Unemployment compensation is intended to help people who are between jobs and actively seeking employment, not for those who are traveling and not available for work. To file for unemployment, you must appear in person and then regularly fill out forms listing names and addresses of companies you've applied to for jobs.

Extended traveling would be a nice break to take from working. If you can afford to do so without falsely collecting unemployment, taking an extended vacation shouldn't harm your career if you have a solid work record. But asking to be laid off could ruin your boss' image of you.

Q-I'm a 33-year-old, blond female who weighs 164 pounds. I don't look my weight. I am popular and work with the "big wheels" throughout the company. The problem is that my coworkers watch me all day. One female even makes it a point to stare. Are they jealous and insecure? Or don't they have enough work to keep them busy? Do you think they feel threatened by me?

A-You didn't send me a picture, so I can't comment on your appearance. Despite that, your coworkers are probably jealous of your relationship with management. Personality plays a big role in success. Those who are timid, insecure or not comfortable with themselves are going to feel threatened by positive personality traits that they do not possess.

Be friendly to your coworkers and don't flaunt the fact that you are part of the "in" group. There's not much you can do about jealous types other than to "watch your back."

Q-My company has downsized and I will be interviewing for employment for the first time in 20 years. I have a noticeable limp resulting from surgery 10 years ago. Letters of recommendation from past and current supervisors attest to my superlative work history. I want to avoid my medical history for fear of rejection. Would it sound too evasive if I said that I needed surgery 10 years ago and have had no problems since then?

A-Thanks to the Americans With Disabilities Act, employers cannot ask you about your disability or medical history. The reason for your surgery is your business, as is your medical history.

Assuming you are not applying for jobs that require physical labor in which your limp would be limiting, don't say anything about it to the interviewers or to your coworkers once you land a job. Forget past problems and try to relax in interviews.

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